The Goldcrest. 147 
brilliant crest till after the first moulting; the cradle 
in which they are rocked is sometimes very prettily 
decked with lichen, and often agrees in colour with the 
tints around, thereby making the chosen place a con- 
cealed spot, and thus escaping the observation of any 
one passing by. 
This bird has great confidence in man, and will allow 
a spectator to stand and watch its movements within 
a few yards of it; but the beautiful golden crest on its 
head cannot well be seen while alive, its haunts being 
too high and its movements constant. The sociability 
of this bird extends beyond its own species. I have 
seen several in company with the cole, marsh, and blue 
tits—all searching for food together in fir woods. 

